Born At The Right Time

Paul Simon's 'Born At The Right Time' is a contemplative exploration of the circumstances of birth and the inherent privileges that come with being born in a favorable time and place. The song opens with a poetic image of a baby boy found among the reeds and rushes, symbolizing purity and a fresh start. His clear eyes and silky brown hair evoke a sense of timelessness and innocence, suggesting that he is untouched by the hardships of life. This child, as the lyrics emphasize, has never experienced loneliness, deceit, or fear, and has never been denied anything, highlighting the idea of being born into a world of opportunity and safety.

The narrative then shifts to the perspective of the singer and his friends, who are described as 'travelling people' enjoying the luxuries of modern life, from restaurant row to international travel. This juxtaposition of the carefree lifestyle of the singer with the innocence of the newborns he observes in airport lounges underscores the theme of privilege. These children, like the baby boy in the reeds, are born into a world where they are shielded from the harsh realities that many others face. The repeated refrain 'Born at the right time' serves as a poignant reminder of the arbitrary nature of birth and the advantages it can bestow.

However, Simon also touches on the broader implications of overpopulation and environmental strain, as seen in the lines about the crowded bus from the airport and the planet groaning with each new birth. This adds a layer of complexity to the song, suggesting that while some are born into privilege, the world as a whole is struggling under the weight of its growing population. The song concludes with the discovery of a baby girl, mirroring the opening scene and reinforcing the cyclical nature of life and the ongoing conversation about privilege and responsibility in an increasingly crowded world.